Greens senator Jordon Steele-John's future in limbo as leadership weighs misconduct allegations

The position of Australian Greens senator Jordon Steele-John remains unresolved more than a week after allegations that he behaved inappropriately towards women became public, and how new leader David Shoebridge handles the issue is now being seen as a test of his leadership.

The allegations surfaced earlier this month when Nine newspapers reported that a three-page letter had been sent to Shoebridge urging an independent investigation into Steele-John, the Western Australian senator who serves as the party's disability spokesperson. The letter referred to secondhand claims that Steele-John, 32, had acted inappropriately towards women between 2017 and 2025. A complainant has not come forward directly to make the allegations.

Shoebridge announced that Steele-John would take leave while an independent investigation took place. Days later the process became more complicated: Steele-John rejected the allegations against him, denied that he had agreed to leave parliament, and accused an internal faction within the WA Greens of playing "nasty political games" by releasing the letter to the media. He said he spoke publicly because he did not want his silence on the letter's claims to be read as an admission of guilt.

Shoebridge insists Steele-John did agree to take leave, but acknowledges he alone cannot force him to do so. Only a secret ballot in which two-thirds of the party room — more than seven members — voted to expel him would compel Steele-John to comply. Such a move would be drastic, and would leave his standing in the party room shattered even if the WA Greens investigation clears him.

What happens next

Senate estimates hearings on Monday, where upper house members question public servants about government policy, will put Shoebridge's handling of the matter on display. Because the National Disability Insurance Scheme is undergoing major changes before the end of the decade, the Greens must decide whether their disability spokesperson — who is well liked within the disability community — should attend, perhaps virtually.

For many supporters inside and outside the party, allowing a federal member accused of sexual misconduct to keep carrying out public duties is a difficult prospect, particularly as the "manosphere" and a backlash against the #MeToo movement gain momentum in mainstream society.

Whether the allegations were politically motivated by Steele-John's adversaries seeking advantage in the state's preselection is part of the picture. But the rumours have persisted throughout his time in office, and the simpler option would be for him to stand aside while they are investigated.

Because the party prides itself on consensus decision-making, Shoebridge will need the support of the party room for any expulsion. How he manages the issue will set the tone for the rest of his leadership and could prompt an ugly battle with Steele-John.

Source: The Guardian World.